May 20 – 26, 2024 is Healthy and Safe Swimming Week!
As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, pools, water parks, and splash pads will open their doors to the public. The Mississippi State Department of Health would like to provide you with resources for enjoyable, safe and healthy swimming and a healthy summer.
Healthy Swimming
Diarrhea and swimming don’t mix! Protect yourself and those you care about from illness at the pool with these basic guidelines.
Don’t swallow water at the pool, water park or splash pad! Swallowing even a small amount of water contaminated with diarrhea germs can make you sick for up to 3 weeks.
If you or your kids are sick with diarrhea:
- Don’t swim. One person with diarrhea can contaminate the entire pool.
- Stay out of splash pads. Water jets can spread diarrhea germs found in poop to others who are playing.
Remember, swim diapers and swim pants are not a substitute for frequent diaper changing and bathroom breaks.
Chlorine doesn’t kill germs instantly. While it kills most germs within minutes, some germs can live in a properly chlorinated pool or other water play area for days.
More on Healthy Swimming
Pool Safety
More children 1–4 years old die from drowning than any other cause.
- Watch kids closely when they are in or around water.
- Drowning happens quickly and quietly, so avoid distracting activities like being on a phone.
If you have a backyard pool, store pools chemicals safely away from kids and pets to avoid hazardous exposure.
